U.K Coastguard Helps with Flood Rescue Efforts

MarineLink.com

Friday, December 06, 2013

Photo: Reuters

The U.K. Coastguards has been working through the night as parts of the U.K. have been hit by one of the largest tidal surges in decades.

Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) at Stornoway, Aberdeen, Humber, Holyhead, Liverpool, Thames, Dover and Falmouth have been managing the rescue efforts. Nearly 50 Coastguard Rescue Teams have been sent to some of the worst affected areas. Coastguards from elsewhere in the country were also sent to help.

In Moray, the Burghead, Lossiemouth and Buckie Coastguard Rescue Teams, along with the Moray Sector Manager, helped Scottish Fire and Rescue free 10 people trapped on a bus on a coastal road near Buckie. No one was hurt.

In Yorkshire, the Whitby Sector Manager along with the Whitby and Staithes Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to Sandsend with water rescue equipment after people were putting themselves at risk by driving along flooded roads.

In Norfolk, Happisburgh and Mundesley Coastguard Rescue Teams, along with the North Norfolk Sector Manager, went to reports of coastal erosion at Happisburgh. When on scene, the teams helped with evacuating people from their homes.

In Lincolnshire, lead by the Sector Manager, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Cleethorpes, Donna Nook, Mablethorpe, Chapel St. Leonards, Skegness, Wrangle and Sutton Bridge were out on patrol overnight.

Richard Martin, Chief Coastguard, said, "Our Coastguards have worked tirelessly overnight to ensure the public stay safe and I’d like to thank them all for their effort in what have been difficult conditions.

"We have been monitoring the weather closely over the last 24 hours and will continue to do so, but it does appear that the worst has passed.”